News

Dovercourt beach could be closed to public after grenade discovery

A DOVERCOURT beach could be closed to the public after two wartime hand grenades were discovered at the weekend.

Officers from Tendring Council’s Seafront and Parking team carried out a search of the beach on Monday morning following the discoveries on Saturday and Sunday.

Temporary signs were also put up to inform all beach users of the situation and warning them of the potential danger.

They will be replaced with more permanent signs.

The council is now seeking expert advice on the best way forward, which may include closing off the beach.

Nick Turner, cabinet member for environment and coast protection, said: “We now need to move in and decide what measures we need to take to ensure the safety of all those who use the beaches.

“Immediate action involved carrying out a careful search of the area yesterday and then putting up warning signs.

“At the same time we are gathering advice to work out if we need to go further. Although we do not want to close beaches to the public in the summer we will not hesitate to do so if that is the advice we are given.”

In July three other wartime grenades were discovered and blown up by bomb disposal experts.